Ford is set to make significant reductions in its hourly workforce at the factory producing the Ford F-150 Lightning.
The decision comes in the wake of Ford’s earlier move to scale back production of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to lower-than-anticipated growth in EV sales. Although electric vehicle sales are on the rise in the US, they’re not meeting the industry’s ambitious projections, with many consumers opting for hybrid alternatives instead.
Despite selling just over 24,000 Lightnings last year—a 55 per cent increase from 2022—dealers are experiencing sluggish sales and increasing inventories of the electric truck, which starts at just under $50,000.
As per media reports, Ford will commence reducing the hourly workforce next week at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Centre in Dearborn, Michigan, confirmed by Ford spokeswoman Jessica Enoch. Of the 2,100 workers comprising three work crews at the Dearborn facility, only a third will remain.
Furthermore, the company plans to relocate 700 workers to the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne to focus on producing the Bronco and Ranger models. The remaining 700 workers will have the option to accept a retirement package negotiated during last year’s contract discussions with the United Auto Workers or to take on a new role in southeast Michigan.
Additionally, Ford is reportedly adding a third crew at the Michigan Assembly Plant.
